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Statement from Richardson Mayor Voelker Regarding Disparaging Tweet from Council Member Scott Dunn

Post Date:02/08/2019 4:35 PM

I was extremely disappointed and embarrassed to see the online comment by Councilman Scott Dunn in response to a tweet by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earlier this week. While I certainly respect Councilman Dunn’s, or any citizen’s, right to freely express his or her opinion on any issue of public concern, I also believe that Richardson’s values are best upheld when we engage in civic discourse that is civil in tone, respectful of others and designed to produce constructive outcomes for the betterment of our community.

Even when we disagree about important political and social issues, we shouldn’t resort to name-calling.

I condemn the description of any woman in this manner as clearly inconsistent with Richardson’s values, as further articulated by the City Council’s Rules of Engagement as outlined in our 2017-2019 Statement of Goals.

While it is worth noting that this post by Councilman Dunn was not made in his official capacity as a City Council member, nor was it made using a City communications channel or other resources, it is still not one befitting an elected representative of our diverse and multifaceted community – one where the values of tolerance and inclusivity have long been paramount.

I have expressed my concerns to Councilman Dunn, and I am hopeful that he will take this matter deeply to heart and that he will express sincere remorse and a clear understanding of his words’ hurtful impact.